University of Alabama student; Auburn alumnus among 15 killed in New Orleans attack

A University of Alabama student and an Auburn University alumnus were killed Wednesday in the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Kareem Badawi was a freshman at UA who graduated from the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in 2024. Drew Dauphin was a 2023 graduate of Auburn University.

“It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah’s decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son, Karim Bilal Badawi, who died early today in the morning as a result of a tragic accident in New Orleans,” his father, Belal Badawi, wrote in a post on Facebook Wednesday night.

A message seeking comment was sent to Belal on Thursday morning.

Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts said in a Facebook post Thursday he sends “sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of 2023 graduate Drew Dauphin who was taken from us in the New Orleans terror attack.”

“Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” Roberts wrote in the post. Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy.”

On Wednesday, UA President Stuart R. Bell said in a statement that he “learned today that Kareem Badawi, one of our students at The University of Alabama, was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans.”

“I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss,” he said in the statement.

Bell encouraged the university community to contact the Office of Student Care and Well Being at 205-348-2461 or [email protected] for support.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge also encouraged the school community in a letter to “hold these alumni, their families, and all who are grieving in your thoughts and prayers,” according to The Advocate.

Dauphin worked at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant. Eric Mauk, a spokesperson for American Honda Motor Company, said they are “are deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the Honda team, as well as the other victims of this tragedy, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Dauphin family, friends and the many Honda associates who worked closely with Drew.”

Authorities updated the death toll to 15, with another 35 people injured, many critically. 

Officials said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street before he was killed in a shootout with police. Weapons and a suspected explosive device were found in the vehicle, along with an Islamic State flag. Investigators initially said Jabbar may not have acted alone, but an FBI official said Thursday that Jabbar did not have any accomplices.

Steel bollards being installed for pedestrian protection ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 9 in New Orleans, were not in place, which allowed Jabbar to drive into the crowd. Bourbon Street remains closed, and hotels in the French Quarter have been partially evacuated. The Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for New Year’s Day in New Orleans, was postponed to Thursday.

Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana declared a state of emergency, deploying National Guard troops to assist law enforcement. Jabbar is believed to have acted alone in the terror attack, an FBI official said Thursday.

This story was updated at 12:15 p.m. with news of Drew Dauphin being one of the 15 victims killed in the New Orleans attack. The story was updated at 1:29 p.m. to include news the FBI believes Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone. The story was updated at 3:37 p.m. to include comment from American Honda Motor Company.